It is to those who have the most need of us that we ought to show our love more especially.— Saint Francis de Sales

St. Francis of Philadelphia Sister Joella Francis Campbell, 89

St. Francis of Philadelphia Sister Joella Francis Campbell, a former teacher at St. Joseph School, Raritan Borough, died at Assisi House, Aston, Pa., Nov. 15. She was 89.

Sister Joella Francis (Theresa Mary Campbell) was born in Media, Pa., where she was a member of Nativity Parish, and a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Moylan, Pa. She entered the congregation in 1945 and professed her first vows in 1947. Her sister, Sister Marie Francine Campbell, is also a member of the congregation and ministers in Philadelphia.

Sister Joella earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education at Neumann University, Aston, and ministered primarily in elementary and secondary education.

Sister Joella Francis’ 53 years of service in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia included teaching at St. Bonaventure School, St. Benedict School, St. Alphonsus School, Resurrection School in Chester; Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Morton; St. Elizabeth School, All Saints School, St. Mary’s School, and Nativity School, Media.

In 1993, she moved to Springfield, Pa., where she worked in the Studies Office for 16 years. In 2009, she moved to Assisi House, where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

Sister Joella Francis also ministered for eight years in the Diocese of Allentown, Pa. She taught at SS. Peter and Paul School, Lehighton; and Most Blessed Sacrament School, Bally. From 1956-1960, she also worked with the children at St. Francis Orphanage School, Orwigsburg.

She also taught at Immaculate Conception School, Trenton.

In addition to Sister Marie Francine, Sister Joella Francis is survived by her sister Kate Kane and by her nieces and nephews, and by her Franciscan family.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at the Assisi House Nov. 18. Burial was at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Aston. Funeral arrangements were handled by Kevin Lyons Funeral Home, Glenolden, Pa.

Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Rd., Aston, PA 19014.